Completion and Operation of Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Unit 2, Rhea County, TN, 45859-45861 [E7-15955]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 157 / Wednesday, August 15, 2007 / Notices 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236 of October 19, 1999, as amended, and Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003 [68 FR 19875], I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ‘‘Legacy: Spain and the United States in the Age of Revolution, 1763–1848’’, imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, from on or about September 27, 2007, until on or about February 10, 2008, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. Public Notice of these Determinations is ordered to be published in the Federal Register. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, including a list of the exhibit objects, contact Wolodymyr Sulzynsky, Attorney-Adviser, Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State (telephone: 202/453–8050). The address is U.S. Department of State, SA– 44, 301 4th Street, SW., Room 700, Washington, DC 20547–0001. Dated: August 6, 2007. C. Miller Crouch, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. E7–16051 Filed 8–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–05–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 5892] ebenthall on PROD1PC69 with NOTICES Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: ‘‘Tapestry in the Baroque: Threads of Splendor’’ SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236 of October 19, 1999, as amended, and Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003 [68 FR 19875], VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:00 Aug 14, 2007 Jkt 211001 I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ‘‘Tapestry in the Baroque: Threads of Splendor’’, imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York, from on or about October 15, 2007, until on or about January 6, 2008, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. Public Notice of these Determinations is ordered to be published in the Federal Register. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, including a list of the exhibit objects, contact Wolodymyr Sulzynsky, Attorney-Adviser, Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State (telephone: 202/453–8050). The address is U.S. Department of State, SA– 44, 301 4th Street, SW., Room 700, Washington, DC 20547–0001. Dated: August 7, 2007. C. Miller Crouch, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. E7–16045 Filed 8–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–05–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 5893] Determination Pursuant to Section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224 Relating to the Designation of the Fatah al-Islam Acting under the authority of section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001, as amended by Executive Order 13286 of July 2, 2002, and Executive Order 13284 of January 23, 2003, and in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General, I hereby determine that the organization known as Fatah alIslam has committed, or poses a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States. Consistent with the determination in section 10 of Executive Order 13224 that ‘‘prior notice to persons determined to be subject to the Order who might have a constitutional presence in the United States would render ineffectual the blocking and other measures authorized in the Order because of the ability to transfer funds instantaneously,’’ I determine that no prior notice needs to PO 00000 Frm 00137 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 45859 be provided to any person subject to this determination who might have a constitutional presence in the United States, because to do so would render ineffectual the measures authorized in the Order. This notice shall be published in the Federal Register. Dated: August 9, 2007. Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State, Department of State. [FR Doc. E7–16086 Filed 8–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–10–P TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY Completion and Operation of Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Unit 2, Rhea County, TN Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). ACTION: Issuance of record of decision. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This notice is provided in accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality’s regulations (40 CFR parts 1500 to 1508) and TVA’s procedures implementing the National Environmental Policy Act. On August 1, 2007, the TVA Board of Directors decided to adopt the preferred alternative identified in TVA’s Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS), Completion and Operation of Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Unit 2, Rhea County, Tennessee. A Notice of Availability of the FSEIS was published in the Federal Register on June 23, 2007. Under the selected alternative, TVA has decided to meet the need for additional baseload capacity on the TVA system and maximize the use of existing assets by completing and operating Watts Bar Nuclear Plant (WBN) Unit 2. The unit would be completed as originally designed incorporating additional modifications made to its sister unit, WBN Unit 1, which has been operating since 1996. No expansion of the existing site footprint would be required to complete construction of Unit 2. TVA has prepared the FSEIS to update the extensive environmental record pertinent to the proposed action. In addition to the FSEIS, TVA conducted a detailed scoping, estimating, and planning (DSEP) study. TVA used information from the DSEP and the FSEIS to make the decision to complete construction and to operate Unit 2. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bruce L. Yeager, NEPA Policy Program Manager, Environmental Stewardship and Policy, Tennessee Valley Authority, 400 West Summit Hill Drive, WT 11B, E:\FR\FM\15AUN1.SGM 15AUN1 45860 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 157 / Wednesday, August 15, 2007 / Notices Knoxville, Tennessee 37902–1499; telephone (865) 632–8051 or e-mail blyeager@tva.gov. The FSEIS for completion and operation of WBN Unit 2 supplements the original 1972 TVA EIS titled ‘‘Final Environmental Statement, Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Units 1 and 2’’ and the ‘‘Final Statement Related to the Operation of Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Units 1 and 2, Supplement No. 1,’’ (NRC 1995b), which TVA adopted on July 10, 1995. Where pertinent, the FSEIS incorporates by reference, utilizes, tiers from, and updates information from the substantial previous environmental record prepared for actions related to the construction and operation of WBN, including updating the need for power analysis. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Alternatives Considered In the 1972 Final Environmental Statement (FES) for Watts Bar Units 1 and 2, TVA considered a number of alternatives to constructing and operating WBN, including the No Action alternative. TVA is proposing to complete WBN Unit 2 as originally designed except for modifications consistent with those made to Unit 1. Consistent with applicable regulations, the FSEIS also tiers off of Energy Vision 2020—An Integrated Resource Management Plan (IRP) and Final Environmental Impact Statement (‘‘IRP’’ EIS) (TVA 1995); the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Production of Tritium in a Commercial Light Water reactor (DOE 1999); and the Reservoir Operations Study Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (TVA 2004), and incorporates by reference the balance of the environmental record pertinent to WBN. The IRP EIS analyzed a substantial number of energy resource alternatives, including energy efficiency improvements and demand side management. ebenthall on PROD1PC69 with NOTICES Environmental Consequences The environmental consequences of constructing and operating WBN were addressed comprehensively in the 1972 FES for WBN Units 1 and 2. Subsequent environmental reviews by TVA and the NRC have updated that analysis. By 1996 when the construction of Unit 1 was complete, most of the construction effects had already occurred. Unit 2 would use structures that already exist and most of the work required to complete Unit 2 would occur inside of those buildings. Disturbances proposed for the construction of new support facilities would be within the current VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:00 Aug 14, 2007 Jkt 211001 plant footprint. TVA would use standard construction best management practices to control minor construction impacts to air and water from dust, sedimentation, and noise. Where needed, the FSEIS further updated information and analyses in the following areas: Surface water; groundwater; aquatic ecology; threatened and endangered species; wetlands; natural areas; cultural resources; socioeconomic, environmental justice and land use impacts; floodplains and flood risk; seismic effects; climatology and meteorology; nuclear plant safety and security; radiological effects; radioactive waste; spent fuel storage; transportation of radioactive materials, and decommissioning. The analyses conducted for the FSEIS indicate that no significant impacts would be expected as a result of completing and operating WBN Unit 2. The oversight of permitting agencies, such as the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, will help further safeguard the environment from unacceptable environmental impacts. No effects to federally-listed species would occur. The analysis acknowledges that there will be both beneficial and adverse impacts to local community services from completing Unit 2, largely associated with the effects on social services during the construction process. These findings are primarily a result of the fact that: (1) WBN Unit 1 is already an existing facility operating under an NRC license; (2) WBN Unit 2 is substantially complete; (3) the environmental footprint of the proposed action is confined to that of the existing plant (primarily within existing structures of the plant); and (4) the proposed addition of WBN Unit 2 results in relatively minor changes to ongoing operations of WBN that have the potential for environmental effects. Decision On August 1, 2007, the TVA Board of Directors decided to adopt the preferred alternative to complete and operate WBN Unit 2. This decision took into account environmental considerations together with economic and technical aspects of the project. Proceeding with completion and operation of WBN Unit 2 is the best decision for TVA and the Tennessee Valley in terms of power supply, power price, generation mix, return on investment, use of existing assets, and avoidance of environmental impacts. This decision has the threefold benefits of assuring future power supplies without the environmental effects resulting from operation of fossil PO 00000 Frm 00138 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 fuel generating plants (including increased emissions), avoiding the even larger capital outlays associated with totally new construction, and avoiding the environmental impacts resulting from siting and construction of new power generating facilities elsewhere. The FSEIS concluded that WBN Unit 2 can be completed and operated without significant, adverse impacts on the environment. Environmentally Preferred Alternative On May 31, 2007, the TVA Board endorsed enhanced reliance on renewable energy resources, demand side management (energy conservation), and energy efficiency to help meet the growing demand for electricity from the TVA system. These energy resource options were evaluated in TVA’s IRP EIS. TVA is implementing a number of these resource options and expects to rely more heavily on such options in the future. Energy conservation and improved energy efficiency typically would have lesser environmental impacts than completing and operating a nuclear plant. They would not, however, offset the near-term need for more baseload generation that would be met by completing and operating WBN Unit 2. Accordingly, TVA has concluded that the preferred alternative is also the environmentally preferable alternative. This alternative has the benefits of assuring future power supplies without relying upon fossil fuel generation and its associated environmental impacts, and avoiding the greater environmental impacts resulting from siting and construction of new power generating facilities elsewhere. Environmental Commitments In the FSEIS, TVA has identified two measures that would be implemented during construction of WBN Unit 2 to address potential socio-economic impacts. TVA will designate certain counties as impacted by the construction process so that they would become eligible for a supplemental allocation from TVA’s tax equivalent payments under Tennessee law. These funds could be used by counties and local governmental to address impacts on local services and infrastructure. A part of the DSEP, TVA conducted a labor study of the potential construction workforce. TVA will also provide information from this study to officials in the impacted counties. This information should help with local planning to better accommodate the anticipated temporary population growth. E:\FR\FM\15AUN1.SGM 15AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 157 / Wednesday, August 15, 2007 / Notices Dated: August 3, 2007. William R. McCollum, Jr., Chief Operating Officer. [FR Doc. E7–15955 Filed 8–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8120–08–P Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts on July 25, 2007. Peter A. White, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 07–3964 Filed 8–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–M DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular 33.63–1, Turbine Engine Vibration Agency Information Collection Activity Seeking OMB Approval Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Notice of issuance of advisory circular. ACTION: This notice announces the issuance of Advisory Circular (AC) 33.63–1, Turbine Engine Vibration. This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance and acceptable methods, but not the only methods, that may be used to demonstrate compliance with the vibration requirements of § 33.63 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR part 33). SUMMARY: The Engine and Propeller Directorate issued AC 33.63–1 on July 25, 2007. DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration, Attn: Dorina Mihail, Engine and Propeller Standards Staff, ANE–110, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803–5299; telephone: (781) 238–7153; fax: (781) 238–7199; e-mail: dorina.mihail@faa.gov. We have filed in the docket all substantive comments received, and a report summarizing them. If you wish to review the docket in person, you may go to the above address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you wish to contact the above individual directly, you can use the above telephone number or email address provided. How to obtain copies: A paper copy of AC 33.63–1 may be obtained by writing to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Subsequent Distribution Office, DOT Warehouse, SVC–121.23, Ardmore East Business Center, 3341 Q 75th Ave., Landover, MD 20785, telephone 301–322–5377, or by faxing your request to the warehouse at 301– 386–5394. The AC will also be available on the Internet at https://www.faa.gov/ regulationslpolicies (then click on ‘‘Advisory Circulars’’). ebenthall on PROD1PC69 with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: (Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701– 44702, 44704.) VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:41 Aug 14, 2007 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Jkt 211001 SUMMARY: The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) revision of a current information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on June 1, 2007, vol. 72, no. 105, page 30659. The information is being used to properly identify airmen to allow the agency to verify their foreign license being used to qualify for a U.S. certificate. DATES: Please submit comments by September 14, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carla Mauney at Carla.Mauney@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Title: Verification of Authenticity of Foreign License, Rating and Medical Certification. Type of Request: New collection. OMB Control Number: 2120–XXXX. Forms(s): 8060–71. Affected Public: An estimated 5,400 respondents. Frequency: This information is collected on occasion. Estimated Average Burden Per Response: Approximately 10 minutes per response. Estimated Annual Burden Hours: An estimated 900 hours annually. Abstract: The information is being used to properly identify airmen to allow the agency to verify their foreign license being used to qualify for a U.S. certificate. The respondents are holders of foreign licenses wishing to obtain a U.S. certificate. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the proposed information collection to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget. Comments should be addressed to Nathan Lesser, Desk Officer, PO 00000 Frm 00139 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 45861 Department of Transportation/FAA, and sent via electronic mail to oira_submission@omb.eop.gov or faxed to (202) 395–6974. Comments are invited on: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the Department’s estimates of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Issued in Washington, DC, on August 8, 2007. Carla Mauney, FAA Information Collection Clearance Officer, IT Enterprises Business Services Division, AES–200. [FR Doc. 07–3965 Filed 8–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–M DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Notice of Intent To Request Revision From the Office of Management and Budget of a Currently Approved Information Collection Activity, Request for Comments; Airports Grants Program Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a current information collection. The FAA collects information from airport sponsors and planning agencies in order to administer the Airports Grants Program. DATES: Please submit comments by October 15, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carla Mauney on (202) 267–9895, or by e-mail at: Carla.Mauney@faa.gov SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Title: Airports Grants Program. Type of Request: Extension of an approved collection. OMB Control Number: 2120–0569. Form(s): Forms 5100–100, 5100–101, 5100–108, 5100–126, 5100–127, 5370–1. Affected Public: A total of 1,950 respondents. E:\FR\FM\15AUN1.SGM 15AUN1

Agencies

Tennessee Valley Authority

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 157 (Wednesday, August 15, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45859-45861]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-15955]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY


Completion and Operation of Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Unit 2, Rhea 
County, TN

AGENCY: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

ACTION: Issuance of record of decision.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This notice is provided in accordance with the Council on 
Environmental Quality's regulations (40 CFR parts 1500 to 1508) and 
TVA's procedures implementing the National Environmental Policy Act. On 
August 1, 2007, the TVA Board of Directors decided to adopt the 
preferred alternative identified in TVA's Final Supplemental 
Environmental Impact Statement (FSEIS), Completion and Operation of 
Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Unit 2, Rhea County, Tennessee.
    A Notice of Availability of the FSEIS was published in the Federal 
Register on June 23, 2007. Under the selected alternative, TVA has 
decided to meet the need for additional baseload capacity on the TVA 
system and maximize the use of existing assets by completing and 
operating Watts Bar Nuclear Plant (WBN) Unit 2. The unit would be 
completed as originally designed incorporating additional modifications 
made to its sister unit, WBN Unit 1, which has been operating since 
1996. No expansion of the existing site footprint would be required to 
complete construction of Unit 2. TVA has prepared the FSEIS to update 
the extensive environmental record pertinent to the proposed action. In 
addition to the FSEIS, TVA conducted a detailed scoping, estimating, 
and planning (DSEP) study. TVA used information from the DSEP and the 
FSEIS to make the decision to complete construction and to operate Unit 
2.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bruce L. Yeager, NEPA Policy Program 
Manager, Environmental Stewardship and Policy, Tennessee Valley 
Authority, 400 West Summit Hill Drive, WT 11B,

[[Page 45860]]

Knoxville, Tennessee 37902-1499; telephone (865) 632-8051 or e-mail 
blyeager@tva.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FSEIS for completion and operation of 
WBN Unit 2 supplements the original 1972 TVA EIS titled ``Final 
Environmental Statement, Watts Bar Nuclear Plant Units 1 and 2'' and 
the ``Final Statement Related to the Operation of Watts Bar Nuclear 
Plant Units 1 and 2, Supplement No. 1,'' (NRC 1995b), which TVA adopted 
on July 10, 1995. Where pertinent, the FSEIS incorporates by reference, 
utilizes, tiers from, and updates information from the substantial 
previous environmental record prepared for actions related to the 
construction and operation of WBN, including updating the need for 
power analysis.

Alternatives Considered

    In the 1972 Final Environmental Statement (FES) for Watts Bar Units 
1 and 2, TVA considered a number of alternatives to constructing and 
operating WBN, including the No Action alternative. TVA is proposing to 
complete WBN Unit 2 as originally designed except for modifications 
consistent with those made to Unit 1. Consistent with applicable 
regulations, the FSEIS also tiers off of Energy Vision 2020--An 
Integrated Resource Management Plan (IRP) and Final Environmental 
Impact Statement (``IRP'' EIS) (TVA 1995); the Final Environmental 
Impact Statement for the Production of Tritium in a Commercial Light 
Water reactor (DOE 1999); and the Reservoir Operations Study Final 
Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (TVA 2004), and 
incorporates by reference the balance of the environmental record 
pertinent to WBN. The IRP EIS analyzed a substantial number of energy 
resource alternatives, including energy efficiency improvements and 
demand side management.

Environmental Consequences

    The environmental consequences of constructing and operating WBN 
were addressed comprehensively in the 1972 FES for WBN Units 1 and 2. 
Subsequent environmental reviews by TVA and the NRC have updated that 
analysis. By 1996 when the construction of Unit 1 was complete, most of 
the construction effects had already occurred. Unit 2 would use 
structures that already exist and most of the work required to complete 
Unit 2 would occur inside of those buildings. Disturbances proposed for 
the construction of new support facilities would be within the current 
plant footprint. TVA would use standard construction best management 
practices to control minor construction impacts to air and water from 
dust, sedimentation, and noise. Where needed, the FSEIS further updated 
information and analyses in the following areas: Surface water; 
groundwater; aquatic ecology; threatened and endangered species; 
wetlands; natural areas; cultural resources; socioeconomic, 
environmental justice and land use impacts; floodplains and flood risk; 
seismic effects; climatology and meteorology; nuclear plant safety and 
security; radiological effects; radioactive waste; spent fuel storage; 
transportation of radioactive materials, and decommissioning.
    The analyses conducted for the FSEIS indicate that no significant 
impacts would be expected as a result of completing and operating WBN 
Unit 2. The oversight of permitting agencies, such as the Tennessee 
Department of Environment and Conservation, will help further safeguard 
the environment from unacceptable environmental impacts. No effects to 
federally-listed species would occur. The analysis acknowledges that 
there will be both beneficial and adverse impacts to local community 
services from completing Unit 2, largely associated with the effects on 
social services during the construction process.
    These findings are primarily a result of the fact that: (1) WBN 
Unit 1 is already an existing facility operating under an NRC license; 
(2) WBN Unit 2 is substantially complete; (3) the environmental 
footprint of the proposed action is confined to that of the existing 
plant (primarily within existing structures of the plant); and (4) the 
proposed addition of WBN Unit 2 results in relatively minor changes to 
ongoing operations of WBN that have the potential for environmental 
effects.

Decision

    On August 1, 2007, the TVA Board of Directors decided to adopt the 
preferred alternative to complete and operate WBN Unit 2. This decision 
took into account environmental considerations together with economic 
and technical aspects of the project. Proceeding with completion and 
operation of WBN Unit 2 is the best decision for TVA and the Tennessee 
Valley in terms of power supply, power price, generation mix, return on 
investment, use of existing assets, and avoidance of environmental 
impacts. This decision has the three-fold benefits of assuring future 
power supplies without the environmental effects resulting from 
operation of fossil fuel generating plants (including increased 
emissions), avoiding the even larger capital outlays associated with 
totally new construction, and avoiding the environmental impacts 
resulting from siting and construction of new power generating 
facilities elsewhere. The FSEIS concluded that WBN Unit 2 can be 
completed and operated without significant, adverse impacts on the 
environment.

Environmentally Preferred Alternative

    On May 31, 2007, the TVA Board endorsed enhanced reliance on 
renewable energy resources, demand side management (energy 
conservation), and energy efficiency to help meet the growing demand 
for electricity from the TVA system. These energy resource options were 
evaluated in TVA's IRP EIS. TVA is implementing a number of these 
resource options and expects to rely more heavily on such options in 
the future. Energy conservation and improved energy efficiency 
typically would have lesser environmental impacts than completing and 
operating a nuclear plant. They would not, however, offset the near-
term need for more baseload generation that would be met by completing 
and operating WBN Unit 2.
    Accordingly, TVA has concluded that the preferred alternative is 
also the environmentally preferable alternative. This alternative has 
the benefits of assuring future power supplies without relying upon 
fossil fuel generation and its associated environmental impacts, and 
avoiding the greater environmental impacts resulting from siting and 
construction of new power generating facilities elsewhere.

Environmental Commitments

    In the FSEIS, TVA has identified two measures that would be 
implemented during construction of WBN Unit 2 to address potential 
socio-economic impacts. TVA will designate certain counties as impacted 
by the construction process so that they would become eligible for a 
supplemental allocation from TVA's tax equivalent payments under 
Tennessee law. These funds could be used by counties and local 
governmental to address impacts on local services and infrastructure. A 
part of the DSEP, TVA conducted a labor study of the potential 
construction workforce. TVA will also provide information from this 
study to officials in the impacted counties. This information should 
help with local planning to better accommodate the anticipated 
temporary population growth.


[[Page 45861]]


    Dated: August 3, 2007.
William R. McCollum, Jr.,
Chief Operating Officer.
 [FR Doc. E7-15955 Filed 8-14-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8120-08-P

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